Arsenal boss Unai Emery responds to Aaron Ramsey contract claim

Ramsey is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season after a contract offer was taken off the table by the club.

The Wales international, the longest-serving player at the Emirates, said earlier this week he wants to remain at the club until the summer, which will prevent Arsenal from getting any money from him in January.

Ramsey is in contention to start for Arsenal against Leicester on Monday.

And Emery was keen to ensure the focus was on the match and not Ramsey’s contract.

When asked about Ramsey’s intention to stay until the end of his contract, Emery said: “For me January is very far [away].

“I’m thinking about Monday’s match first.

“I want every player to stay OK, with the mentality to prepare, to play and [be] together to win.”

Emery then refused to say whether he thought a u-turn was possible and Ramsey signed a new deal.

He said: “My focus is on every match. The football, the future is tomorrow.

“My reason, I explain to every player and to you also, I want the mentality for the next match.

“Individual things are not for me to speak about now.”

Ramsey started the 5-1 win on the bench but Emery opted not to say whether he will return to the starting XI.

He said: “I want his performance like the other players.

“For example, in the last match he started on the bench, then he played 25 minutes with this performance.

“On Monday it’s the same if he starts in the first XI or on the bench, to come with the focus for this match to help us.

“It’s not different for other players.”